As the racetrack is sometimes recommended as a "stepping stone" to riding at Berkeley, it would be great if someone here could provide the kind of detailed information that is available for Berkeley, Alameda, 3rd, et al.

I kited here after learning to stay upwind. I liked being able to attach a leash to my bumper and self launch from the parking lot. Dogs and their owners are here and don't understand why you may be less then excited to ward off a canine while keeping your kite in the air as you enter the "toilet bowl." On light days you need to get out of the bowl and I've seen a few kites end up on the rocks at the north end, by the "bulb" of Albany Bulb. Better to make that turn early, the light wind can get weird over there. It often blows better than Berkeley/EmeryPoint or Marina Bay, although sometimes it doesn't. When it does blow its a nice place for after work kiters and doesn't have the same "Union Wind" that Berkeley does (meaning it doesn't shut off at 5pm).For landing you can drop your kite right behind the sand dune onto ice plants, so that's good. You must be able to stay upwind and you should be confident of your "solo" abilities, since you might be coming in or going out alone. Great view of the squatter condos at the tip of the Bulb. Is that enough Nick?

WindMuch wrote:(Did you notice Nick's request for more info on the Racetrack was from 2010? I'm sure others will find your info helpful though, so thanks!)

Yes, when I posted that in April of 2010 I was just heading into my second season and was still working on riding upwind. I've progressed a bit since then. But there's still no detailed info on the Racetrack in the "Sites" section so I guess my request is still valid.

On a related note--anyone have updates on the Racetrack/Bulb development project? I believe it was exactly two years ago that some of us attended the meeting in Albany about all the great plans. I stopped by the beach a couple of nights ago just to hang out and enjoy the view, and it doesn't look like anything is changing.